Putin Orders Emergency Evacuation Flights From Middle East for 23,500 Russians

President Vladimir Putin has ordered emergency evacuation flights from the Middle East, mobilizing key ministries as more than 23,000 Russian tourists remain in the region amid escalating conflict. Emergency Orders to Key Ministries Speaking during a government meeting, Vladimir Putin confirmed that he had instructed the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize outbound evacuation flights. The president added that leaders of Gulf states had pledged assistance to Russian nationals, but stressed that Russian authorities themselves "must do everything necessary” to ensure citizens return home safely.